Frequently Asked Questions - Flame
A flame is a visible gaseous mixture of burning substances that emits heat, light, and sometimes smoke as a result of combustion.
A flame forms when a combustible substance reacts with oxygen in the presence of heat. The fuel vaporizes and combines with oxygen to release energy in the form of heat and light.
A flame consists of three zones: the innermost dark zone (non-luminous zone), the middle luminous zone, and the outermost pale blue zone (non-luminous zone).
A candle flame has different parts due to variations in temperature and availability of oxygen. Different reactions occur in each zone, leading to the distinct appearance.
Oxygen supports the combustion process by reacting with the fuel vapor to release energy in the form of heat and light. It is necessary for the sustainment of the flame.
The innermost dark zone of a flame is dark because there is insufficient oxygen for complete combustion. It contains unburnt carbon particles that do not emit light.
The luminous zone of a flame is the middle zone where partial combustion occurs. It emits yellow light due to incandescence caused by heated carbon particles.
The brightness of a flame can be increased by increasing the supply of oxygen to ensure complete combustion and reduce the formation of sooty particles.
A flickering flame is caused by air currents that disturb the balance of oxygen supply and the removal of hot gases, leading to variations in combustion and light emission.
A Bunsen burner flame is blue and non-luminous, as it has a higher supply of oxygen, while a candle flame is yellow and luminous due to partial combustion and carbon particles.